Kelley Edward Lawrence

MR. KELLEY EDWARD LAWRENCE II passed away Tuesday, the 8th of July 2008. He was born on the 14th of September 1931 in Bryan, TX to Kelley Edward Lawrence and Hazel Deffebach Lawrence. Kelley grew up in Big Spring, Texas, where he was inducted into Big Spring High School Hall of Fame in 1951 and became a member of the Big Spring Rotary Club, and the Big Spring Jaycees. Kelley's professional career started as Manager of Solvent Sales for Cosden Petroleum Corp, and was later promoted Petrochemical Sales Manager for Tenneco Oil Corp. He also served as President of Polychem International and President of Petromark Corporation. He was the founder of Tarquin Corporation in Houston, TX, a leading petrochemical marketing firm where he served as CEO and President for over 30 years. Kelley's achievements include Charter member of Petrochemical Industry's Founders Club, the National Refiners and Petroleum Association, The Petroleum Club, Southwest Chemical Association, Charter member of the Littlefield Society at University of Texas, Chancellor's Council at the University of Texas, 200 Longhorn Club member, University of Texas Longhorn Foundation, Athletic Advisory Board for University of Texas at Austin, Kappa Alpha Order, and Founding Member of The Westlake Club in Houston. Kelley was an active member of the Krewes of Pontchatrain and Bacchus at the New Orleans Mardi Gras, and member of the Krewe of Momus at Galveston, TX. He was a founding member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Houston, Texas. During his lifetime, Kelley's many interests included hunting, deep sea fishing, gardening, traveling, and Entertaining. He had a passion for the University of Texas football program and was a long time season ticket holder. Kelley was known for his story telling and persistent humor, as well as his intentional butchering of the King's English. Above all, Kelley had a deep love and devotion for family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Joyce Edwards Lawrence, sons Dennis Edward Lawrence and wife Kimberly of Katy, TX , David Arch Lawrence and wife Karen of Reston, VA, Donald Leon Lawrence of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, grandchildren Jennifer Layne Lawrence, Austin Edward Lawrence, Sidney Katherine Lawrence, and brothers John Arthur Lawrence and Kennard Thomas Lawrence. Special expressions of gratitude are given to Dr. John Buergler M.D., Dr. Howard K. Wilson, M.D., Dr. William Guerriero, MD , Dr. Jimmy F. Howell, MD and the wonderful staff at Methodist Hospital for their compassionate and dedicated medical care. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 11th of July at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive. A memorial service will be held at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 12th of July at Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 12535 Perthshire Road with The Rev. Patrick Hall officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Michael Trice, Tom Moran, Bob Roten, Fletcher Stovall, Jerry Armstrong, O. O. (Buddy) Hare, John Minnesse, Dr. W.R. Gaston, and Steve Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Kelley's name to Holy Spirit Episcopal Church (12535 Perthshire Rd. Houston, Texas 77024), Boys and Girls Country of Houston, Inc. (18806 Roberts Rd, Hockley, TX 77447) and The Longhorn Foundation/Longhorn Legacy (P.O. Box 7399, Austin, Texas 78713-7399).